The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, yesterday inaugurated a 21-member Ad-Hoc Committee to oversight the emergency rule in Rivers State that led to the appointment of Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd) as a sole administrator.
The House had during the approval of the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, resolved among others that the National Assembly should take over legislative functions of the Rivers state House of Assembly in line with the provisions of section 11(4) of the Constitution.
Consequently, the House constituted an ad-hoc committee to that effect with the majority leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere as chairman, and minority whip, Hon. Ali Isa J.C. as deputy chairman while the deputy majority whip, Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim, former Deputy Speaker Idris Ahmed Wase, Hon. Aliyu Muktar Betara and Hon. Sada Soli are members.
Other members of the committee include: Hons James Abiodun Faleke, Igariwey Iduma Enwo, Shehu Saleh Rijau, Wole Oke, Akarachi Etinosa Amadi, Patrick Umoh, James Barka, Alex Egbona, Isa Anka, Amos Daniel, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Onuh Onyeche Blessing, Fatima Talba, Chris Nkwonta, and Ebibake Marie Enenimiete.
Inaugurating the committee, Abbas said the action reaffirmed the House’s constitutional commitment to transparent governance, adding that as empowered by Section 5 of the State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation 2025 and pursuant to Section 11(4) of the Constitution, the panel has a clear and non-partisan mandate.
He said the committee’s mandate is to monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers State, ensure that the caretaker administration adheres to the law, and protect the public interest while facilitating the re-establishment of full democratic governance in the state.
“The sensitivity and gravity of this assignment cannot be overemphasised. The state of emergency in Rivers State has generated widespread interest across the nation, and the eyes of all Nigerians are upon us as they await to see if the National Assembly can live up to the high expectations placed upon it.
“Therefore, the task before this Committee is not routine; it is a mission of national significance that will serve as a litmus test for our commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance. The importance of the assignment places a considerable burden on the Chairman and all members, as every action taken will be subject to national scrutiny.
“The members of this Committee have been selected with meticulous care by the House leadership based on their integrity, experience, and steadfast dedication to the national interest. You have been entrusted with the heavy responsibility of justifying the confidence reposed in you by the entire nation.
“I charge you, therefore, to approach this assignment with the highest standards of professionalism, impartiality, and diligence. In fulfilling your mandate, you must conduct your oversight in strict accordance with the Constitution and avoid all forms of partisanship or bias. It is imperative that you monitor every aspect of the caretaker administration’s conduct, scrutinise public expenditures, and ensure that all federal directives and policies are implemented as intended.
“Moreover, it is expected that you will regularly report your findings to this House in a transparent manner, enabling us to continuously assess the impact of the emergency measures and to take further legislative action if necessary.
Beyond mere oversight, your work must actively support efforts to restore lasting peace and re-establish a fully functioning democratic system in Rivers state,” the speaker said.
He noted that the National Assembly’s intervention in Rivers State is not an instrument of political vendetta but a constitutional necessity as it embodied legislature’s collective duty to safeguard peace, security, and the rule of law.
“We act not out of partisan interests but in the earnest service of a united and prosperous Nigeria. The eyes of all Nigerians are upon us, and it is incumbent upon this House, particularly on the chairman and all members of this esteemed Committee, to rise to this historic challenge with courage, integrity, and determination.
